A Painful But Necessary Step”: Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns Amid Abuse Scandal
“It seemed utterly inconceivable that someone wouldn’t have said to the police: ‘This has been going on’.”
The resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby has sent shockwaves through the Church of England, marking a somber turning point for its leadership. Following the release of the Makin review, which revealed failures in addressing abuse allegations against the late barrister John Smyth, Archbishop Welby stepped down, citing personal and institutional responsibility for the mishandling of the case. His son, Tim Welby, has publicly supported the decision, calling his father’s position “untenable” but affirming his respect and love for him as a man of integrity.
Tim Welby defended his father’s initial actions, explaining that the Archbishop was appalled and shocked to learn in 2013 of the abuse allegations and had assumed they had already been reported to police. “The frustrating thing is I don’t think it ever occurred to him that it hadn’t been reported,” Tim stated, emphasizing the trust placed in established church processes. In his resignation statement, Archbishop Welby expressed deep sorrow for the re-traumatization survivors endured during the prolonged delay in action, declaring, “I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change.” His departure underscores a profound commitment to rebuilding trust and ensuring the Church prioritizes the safety and dignity of all its members.
